This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

8 October

Australian Government finalises University of Queensland-CSL COVID-19 vaccine agreement
Under its COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy, the Australian Government is investing $1.7 billion to pre-order 84.8 million doses of vaccine with leading Australian manufacturer CSL Limited (Seqirus) and UK-based AstraZeneca. The Government has now entered a final supply agreement with CSL/Seqirus around the supply of 51 million doses of the University of Queensland (UQ)-CSL COVID-19 vaccine candidate, including key terms to support clinical and technical development activities for the vaccine candidate, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health has reported eight cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 through to 8pm. Three of these cases had already been announced to the public, and are included in the numbers. Four cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,072. There were 12,498 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 5,970 in the previous 24 hours.
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VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (8 October 2020 at 2pm)
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre reported that there have been zero aged care facilities in Category 1 for more than a month. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating. The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall. The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 176; there are now 39 active outbreaks.
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7 October

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW has reported no recent cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 for the twelfth consecutive day. However, three reports of cases have been received, including two in South Western Sydney and one in Western Sydney, said NSW Health. These cases are under urgent investigation. Three cases in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,060. There were 5,970 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 5,385 in the previous 24 hours.
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NSW: Public health alert - Southwest Sydney cases
NSW Health is alerting the public to locations visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. As outlined, three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South West Sydney. All three cases are under investigation, with contact tracing underway. People who attended the Fitness First Carlingford Pilates Class on Saturday 3 October from 8:15 am to 9:15 am are considered close contacts and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there, and stay isolated for the entire period, even if a negative test result is received. NSW Health is directly contacting those who attended.
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NSW: Public Health Alert - Ripples Milsons Point
NSW Health is alerting the public to new locations visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. One confirmed case attended Ripples restaurant in Milson's Point on Saturday 3 October from 8pm to 10.30pm. While contact tracing is now well underway, NSW Health can advise the details of a small number of walk-in diners in the restaurant during this time were not recorded. All diners who were in this restaurant at that time are considered close contacts and must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days since they were there, and stay isolated for the entire period, even if a negative test result is received.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 7 October 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The new confirmed case is a male in his 40s who travelled to Perth from overseas. He is in hotel quarantine. The State has now recorded a total of 688 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There nine active cases being monitored and 670 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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6 October

Record health and aged care investment under Australia's COVID-19 pandemic plan
The Government is delivering a record $115.5 billion in 2020-21 and $467 billion over the forward estimates to deliver the essential health services Australians need under the Long Term National Health Plan, said Minister Hunt. The 2020-21 Budget funds the Government's ongoing health response under the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan, extending initial key COVID-19 health initiatives. It helps chart the road out, including through unprecedented mental health support, and implementation of the COVID- 19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy. The Government has committed more than $16 billion to the emergency health response to the pandemic.
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COVID-19 shows why centre for disease control an urgent priority
'The pandemic experience this year is a clear reason for the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control,' said Alison Verhoeven, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) Chief Executive. 'We welcome Labor's announcement that it will commit to establishing a Centre for Disease Control, and we hope that the Government will make funds available in the Budget to progress this as soon as possible. The call for this has been long-standing, with a 2013 recommendation to the Government by the Standing Committee on Health and Ageing overlooked in favour of the development of a National Communicable Disease Framework.'
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Pandemic spending at centre of budget
Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid has commended the Government's $16 billion COVID-19 health response and further stimulus spending aimed at fending off a COVID-19 recession. 'The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 warrant this scale of health response and stimulus spending directed toward restarting the economy,' Dr Khorshid said. 'The Budget commits $1.1 billion to a COVID-19 vaccine arriving by next July and assumes any further COVID-19 outbreaks will be localised and contained. A safe, effective and widely available vaccine is not guaranteed for next year and if it doesn't eventuate and a large outbreak occurs, economic recovery will be threatened, along with mention many Australian lives.'
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COVID-19 outcomes in patients with rare inborn immune disorders
A new research report reveals that 94 individuals with rare inherited immune disorders, otherwise known as primary immunodeficiency (PID), who were infected with the SARSCoV- 2 coronavirus had similar disease outcomes to the general population. However, admission rates to intensive care tended to be higher in PID patients and the average age of affected patients was lower than in the general population. The study, led by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and KU Leuven, provides information for individuals affected by PIDs, their families and clinicians. The findings also contribute to an understanding of the components of the immune system that underpin an effective coronavirus immune response.
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Safeguarding our future with an Australian CDC
An Opposition Government will strengthen Australia's response to future pandemics by establishing an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), said Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. Australia is the only OECD country without a CDC equivalent and the Government has not led a national pandemic drill for 12 years. The nation went into the coronavirus pandemic with less than one mask for every Australian in the National Medical Stockpile, an overreliance on global supply chains, and badly stretched aged and health care systems.
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5 October

Australian COVID-19 response averts 16 000 deaths
The Australian response to COVID-19 may have saved over 16 000 lives according to modelling that used the UK response as a template, say the authors of an article published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). 'Using all-cause mortality data in England and Wales over the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak in March and April, we directly estimated the number of excess deaths that may have occurred if the outbreak in Australia had been of a similar extent to that in England and Wales,' wrote Dr Fiona Stanaway, a clinical epidemiologist at the University of Sydney, and colleagues.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
For the tenth consecutive day, NSW has reported no recent cases of locally transmitted COVID-19. One case in a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine was diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,046. previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID- 19.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The new confirmed case is a male in his 30s who travelled to Perth from Dubai. He is in hotel quarantine. The State has now recorded a total of 687 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are 16 active cases being monitored and 662 people have recovered from the virus in WA. 581 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 566 were assessed and swabbed. There have been 430,897 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 73,613 were from regional WA.
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VIC: Licence testing set to resume under step three
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said that the Victorian Government is preparing for drivers' licence tests to resume by providing extra assessment centres, beginning online testing for learners and cheaper testing for Victorians impacted by the suspension during the pandemic. The Government's $26.8 million package will make computer-based tests available online and further boost licence testing capacity, to turbo charge testing after it was put on hold to slow the spread of coronavirus. Testing will resume in metropolitan Melbourne when the city moves to Step Three of the roadmap to COVID Normal, while online learner permit and Hazard Perception tests will be available from early next year - with work well underway to deliver these tests while keeping high standards of road safety.
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3 October

Safe travel zone with New Zealand
The Government is establishing a Safe Travel Zone with New Zealand, said Prime Minister Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack. This is the next step for a COVID-safe Australia that will reunite families and friends, offer opportunities for businesses looking for workers, and back the communities that depend on tourism, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham. Australia and New Zealand have worked closely together since the COVID-19 pandemic began. They are committed to opening up both domestic travel within Australia and travel with New Zealand, said Minister Hunt and Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
For the tenth consecutive day, NSW has reported no recent cases of locally transmitted COVID-19. One case in a returned overseas traveller in hotel quarantine was diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,046. There were 4,789 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 8,305 in the previous 24 hours. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID- 19.
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QLD: Public Health emergency extended to keep Queensland open
The current Queensland Public Health Emergency Declaration has been extended to enable Queensland to continue to Unite and Recover from COVID-19. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the hard work of Queenslanders has allowed us to ensure Queensland remains in a strong position against COVID-19. 'Extending the current Public Health Emergency Declaration means Queensland can stay open for Queenslanders and keep the economy moving,' Mr Miles said. 'Since the start of the pandemic we have responded strongly.'
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2 October

COVID-19 delays to adoption of TGO 91 labels
This expedited pathway for section 14 consents for supply of medicines without TGO 91 compliant labels will cease on 9 October 2020, said the Department of Health and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Any sponsors still requiring consent to supply labels not compliant with TGO 91 can apply via the standard section 14 process. The transition period from TGO 69 to TGO 91 will expire on 1 September 2020. However, due to the pressures of COVID-19, some prescription medicine manufacturers are experiencing difficulty introducing TGO 91 assessed labels into their manufacturing process.
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ACCC authorises arrangements to ensure security of supply of medical oxygen during COVID 19 pandemic
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has granted authorisation to the Australia New Zealand Industrial Gas Association (ANZIGA). Authorisation allows ANZIGA's members and their related bodies corporate and other suppliers of medical oxygen to hospitals and similar medical facilities to exchange information and make and give effect to contracts, arrangements and understandings to ensure security of supply of medical oxygen to hospitals and similar medical facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACCC has granted authorisation until 30 September 2021.
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ACT: COVID-19 update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT, leaving the ACT's total at 113. There are no active cases in the ACT. A total of 110 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests recorded in the ACT is now 95,118. The ACT Department of Health reminds anyone who has been outside the ACT to monitor the health website of the jurisdiction they visited for updates on where confirmed cases have spent time and where other alerts may be in place. Please adhere to the health advice on those websites.
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ACT: ACT to move to Step 3.2 of Canberra's Recovery Plan
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman has announced changes to COVID-19 restrictions in the ACT that will see the ACT move to Step 3.2 of Canberra's Recovery Plan on Friday 9 October 2020, said the ACT Department of Health. Dr Coleman said the ACT had continued to respond well to the challenges of COVID-19, and the situation continues to improve in neighbouring jurisdictions. This means the ACT can proceed with some further easing of restrictions in place to protect the community.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
For the seventh day in a row, NSW has not reported a single recent case of locally transmitted case COVID-19, said the NSW Department of Health. Four cases of returned travellers in hotel quarantine were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,042. Three were acquired overseas, and one in Victoria. There were 11,343 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 13,072 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health thanks the community for all they have done towards reducing COVID-19 numbers and continues to ask people to remain vigilant and come forward for testing immediately if symptoms like a runny nose, scratchy throat, cough or fever appear.
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NSW: Public health alert - Jetstar flight JQ510
NSW Health is contacting passengers and crew on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney who may have been exposed to an infectious passenger. The passenger is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in hotel quarantine. This traveller tested positive to a Day 2 test in hotel quarantine and is believed to have travelled while infectious. There is no ongoing risk of infection to the general public. The majority of passengers on the Jetstar Flight JQ510 which left Melbourne at 11am on 27 September are already undertaking mandatory hotel quarantine.
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QLD: Keeping Queensland's future COVID safe
The Queensland Government has launched a clear plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions during October, November and December. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions - including increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said COVID safe checks would be undertaken at the end of each month before the state moves into further stages.
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Aged Care

8 October

A stronger aged care system with a focus on quality care
Record investment of more than $2.7 billion will continue to drive aged care reform and ensure the needs of senior Australians are prioritised. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the 2020-21 Budget showcased the Government's determination to strengthen the aged care system. A $1.6 billion investment into home care packages is the centrepiece of this year's funding for senior Australians, as the Federal Government continues to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
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Operational update
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect the most vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic, said the Federal Department of Health.
- There have been zero aged care facilities in Category 1 for more than a month. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating.
- The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall.
- The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 176; there are now 39 active outbreaks.
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7 October

Broken Budget promise leaves aged care exposed
It only took five days for the Federal Government to break its promise to look after people in aged care during Covid-19, United Workers Union Aged Care Director Carolyn Smith said. 'Richard Colbeck has broken a promise to aged care residents and workers within a week,' Ms Smith said. 'That's astounding neglect, even for this Government's lack of responsibility for the crisis in aged care.'
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Even after so much tragedy Government still has no plan for aged care
Despite 674 older Australians tragically passing away from COVID-19 the Budget confirms the Government still has no plan to fix the country's broken aged care system. The Government has failed every single older Australian who has died by not acting now. Shockingly the Budget has no significant new funding for residential aged care where so many older Australians have died, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins.
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VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There have been zero aged care facilities in Category 1 for more than a month. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating.
- The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall.
- The total number of aged care outbreaks since 1 January 2020 is 176; there are now 45 active outbreaks.
Download

6 October

Record health and aged care investment under Australia's COVID-19 pandemic plan
The Government is delivering a record $115.5 billion in 2020-21 and $467 billion over the forward estimates to deliver the essential health services Australians need under the Long Term National Health Plan, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The 2020-21 Budget funds the Government's ongoing health response under the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan, extending initial key COVID-19 health initiatives. It helps chart the road out, including through unprecedented mental health support, and implementation of the COVID- 19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy. The Government has committed more than $16 billion to the emergency health response to the pandemic.
Download

5 October

VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to provide the robust response effort required to protect vulnerable senior Australians living in aged care from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- There have been zero aged care facilities in Category 1 for more than a month. There were 13 facilities in the Response Centre's 'high risk' category in early August when the Centre first began operating.
- In addition, there were 119 facilities on the Response Centre's 'Category 2' list of facilities at risk, this has reduced to 2.
- The work of the Response Centre has also seen the number of facilities with outbreaks continue to fall.
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2 October

Aged care staffing recommendations don't go far enough
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has welcomed the Aged Care Royal Commission's six recommendations which the Government must implement immediately to manage COVID-19 in aged care but says it doesn't go far enough to protect older Australians living in nursing homes. Whilst the 'Aged Care and COVID-19: a special report' found that 'COVID-19 is a public health crisis that has disproportionately affected aged care in Australia', the ANMF is disappointed and concerned it has failed to address the core staffing problems of dangerously inadequate levels of qualified nurses and care staff with the right skills mix and the tragic consequences of understaffing on elderly residents.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

8 October

Counsel Assisting's final submissions to Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will hold a final hearing to hear submissions from Counsel Assisting on 22 and 23 October 2020. The Counsel Assisting's Final Submissions Hearing will be a virtual hearing with no public access but will be available to view or listen to on the Royal Commission website. For the final hearing, Senior Counsel Assisting, Peter Gray QC and Peter Rozen QC, will both present submissions on behalf of the Counsel Assisting team over the two days.
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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

8 October

VIC: Victorian health services to run new early parenting centres
Victorian health and family services will be responsible for the Victorian Government's $123 million new Early Parenting Centres, giving more new parents and their young children the best possible start to life. The seven new centres will be built in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Frankston, Casey, Wyndham and Whittlesea - providing a critical role in ensuring parents are getting the advice and care they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies with additional needs, said Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley.
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5 October

'No jab, no pay' raises catch-up vaccination rates
The national 'no jab, no pay' policy has been associated with substantial catch-up vaccination activity in lower socioeconomic status areas, according to research published by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Introduced on 1 January 2016, the 'no jab, no pay' policy extended the existing vaccination requirements for receiving federal family assistance payments by removing non-medical (conscientious objection) exemptions and tightening guidelines for medical exemptions. Researchers from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), and the University of Sydney, analysed data from the Australian Immunisation Register for catch-up vaccination of children aged 5 to less than 7 years before (January 2013 - December 2014; baseline).
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WA: Tenders to construct iconic rainbow Kids Bridge now open
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that an initiative to connect the Perth Children's Hospital and Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a step closer to reality, with tenders for the iconic rainbow Kids Bridge now advertised. The construction only contract will see a three-metre wide, 217-metre long pedestrian bridge built over Winthrop Avenue in Nedlands, connecting the lawn area located between Perth Children's Hospital and the multi-storey car park on the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) grounds to Kings Park. The $6.3 million bridge, which has been funded by the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, will be constructed and maintained by Main Roads.
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3 October

QLD: PET-CT scanner secured for Queensland Children's Hospital
Queensland's sickest kids will be able access a dedicated state-of-the-art digital positron emission tomography (PET) service at the Queensland Children's Hospital, thanks to a $5 million investment by the Government and the Children's Hospital Foundation. The digital PET-computed tomography (CT) camera provides high-quality images of how tissues and organs are functioning, and is commonly used for diagnosing cancers, neurological and endocrinological conditions, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the new equipment would deliver better, safer and more accessible specialist care for Queensland children.
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Clinical Governance

None this edition.

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Construction and Health Infrastructure

7 October

WA: Albany radiation oncology service one step closer as request for tenders close
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook has announced that the lifesaving radiation oncology project in Albany is progressing well with the request for tenders for forward works now closed. Mr Cook provided the update while in the Great Southern and said the next steps would see works formally awarded. The forward works package is considered a vital step in establishing the service and will allow for the Linac Suite to be safely housed and protect patients, visitors and staff from potential radiation exposure.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

None this edition.

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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

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E-Health

6 October

Telehealth must be the start of the health 'revolution'
The Federal Budget provides for the beginnings of a 'revolution' in health care that should be a down payment for wider reforms and investment to meet 21st century needs, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'The Health Minister, Greg Hunt, has described the expansion of telehealth as a 'revolution in the delivery of primary care' which we strongly support,' CEO Leanne Wells said. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the strength, and the opportunities for more public investments to improve Australia's health system. It has shown the link between the health of the community and of the economy is inextricable.'
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

8 October

$3.3 million investment for research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic
The Government is investing $3.3 million in medical research to improve understanding of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, announced in the 2020-21 Budget, said the Department of Health. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex condition that leaves patients with persistent disabling fatigue, particularly after general activity, as well as mild to severe muscle and joint pain and headaches. The cause is unknown, diagnosis is difficult and there are no specific medications for treating people with this debilitating condition.
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$35 million for new Centres of Research Excellence to improve health outcomes
The Government is investing $35 million in 14 new Centres of Research Excellence through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), announced in the 2020-21 Budget. NHMRC's Centres of Research Excellence scheme provides funding for five years to support teams of researchers to pursue collaborative research and build research capacity. Of the 14 new centres, six include chief investigators of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. In the latest round, $10 million will be allocated to help meet the Government's health targets of Closing the Gap, said the Department of Health.
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7 October

Life-Saving and Job Creating Medical Research - research grant opportunities
The Australian Government is building on its commitment to life-saving medical research. It is providing $424.3 million in new grants and programs to assist researchers around the country to tackle problems from chronic fatigue syndrome and skin cancer, to COVID-19, and mental health, announced the Department of Health. The funding, which is divided among new grants announced and newly opened opportunities, comes from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
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6 October

Guaranteeing essential services
The Government will continue to guarantee the essential services Australians rely on as part of the Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. This includes record funding for schools, hospitals and aged care sector. The Budget will deliver record funding for health, with total spending of $93.8 billion in 2020-21, an increase of almost 43 per cent since 2014-15. This will ensure Australians can continue to access the essential medical, pharmaceutical and hospital services they rely on. The Government is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, and has invested $5.7 billion in 2020-21.
Download

Record health and aged care investment under Australia's COVID-19 pandemic plan
The Government is delivering a record $115.5 billion in 2020-21 and $467 billion over the forward estimates to deliver the essential health services Australians need under the Long Term National Health Plan, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. The 2020-21 Budget funds the Government's ongoing health response under the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan, extending initial key COVID-19 health initiatives. It helps chart the road out, including through unprecedented mental health support, and implementation of the COVID- 19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy. The Government has committed more than $16 billion to the emergency health response to the pandemic.
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SA: Health and medical industry set for $5 billion injection by 2030
South Australia's Health and Medical Industries sector is set to more than double by 2030 to reach $5 billion, according to the Health and Medical Industries Sector Plan released. The sector plan is the result of collaboration between the South Australian Government, industry, and academic leaders, who have identified key enablers that will drive the value of the health and medical industries sector in South Australia. SA Premier Steven Marshall said the Health and Medical Sector Plan is a comprehensive roadmap on how to take this fast-growing sector to new heights. 'This sector is a significant economic pillar of the South Australian economy and is already at the forefront of new and innovative technologies, employing nearly 24,000 people,' Premier Marshall said.
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5 October

COVID shows need to reset health spending
The Federal Budget is a rare opportunity to reset Australia's attitude to health expenditure, with a fundamental reassessment of the priority put on real increases to health spending, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to rethink many of our assumptions about the functioning of society. Absolutely fundamental to this is our understanding of what a health system that is fit for purpose looks like,' Dr Khorshid said. 'The pandemic has shown the strains on so many parts of our health system, particularly aged care, mental health, and protections for our frontline healthcare workers.'
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Health Professionals

7 October

Budget fails to deliver real investment in nursing, midwifery and aged care
The Treasurer may have acknowledged Australia's local 'heroes', healthcare workers, for their courage, commitment and compassion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Budget provides too little investment in nursing and midwifery and even less for aged care workers, according to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF). The ANMF has also questioned the Government's claim of 'record funding for aged care', given it is deferring action in chronically-understaffed nursing homes, until the completion of the Royal Commission in early 2021.
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QLD: Queensland Opposition plan to provide better health services
A Queensland Opposition Government will invest more than $1.3 billion to create thousands more health jobs, improve patient care and provide better health services across Queensland. The major recruitment drive will secure 2530 more nurses and midwives, 320 more paramedics, 750 more doctors and 840 more allied health professionals under a Queensland Opposition Government. Queensland Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington said the plan would ensure almost 4500 more health workers were added to Queensland's health system over the next four years. 'Queensland cannot have world-class public health system without a strong and successful economy,' Ms Frecklington said.
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5 October

Name badges for doctors: Improving communication
Only a quarter of doctors wear name badges despite evidence that the majority of patients believe their doctors should do so, according to research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). According to the authors, led by Dr Benjamin Bravery from the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital in Sydney, studies have shown that 75% of inpatients are unable to name anyone when asked to recall the name of the physician in charge of their care; only 42% of patients can name their diagnosis at discharge.
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3 October

QLD: Opposition reveals cuts to public health staff
Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington has revealed the Opposition's plans to cut health staff if they were elected. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Steven Miles said her announcement of health staff numbers was woefully inadequate and wouldn't keep up with the growth in patients at its current rate. 'This is a cut to health staff. Deb Frecklington needs to find funds for $23 billion in election promises and she's coming for our public hospital doctors and nurses,' said Mr Miles. 'Last time she was in government, she and Campbell Newman sacked 4400 health staff in Queensland.'
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Hospitals

8 October

NSW: $341 million Concord Hospital boosts capacity
Concord Hospital's $341 million redevelopment is on track for completion, with the eight-storey Clinical Services Building set to transform healthcare in the inner west. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and NSW Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti visited the site for a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the building reaching its highest point. Mr Hazzard said the Clinical Services Building will have more than 200 inpatient beds, with just over 550 beds across the campus, an increase of more than 100 from previously.
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WA: $9.6 billion health investment for Western Australians
The WA Government is investing $9.6 billion as part of the 2020-21 State Budget to strengthen WA's health system as it remains critical in protecting the health of the community and keeping Western Australians safe, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook. General health hospital services will benefit from $168.6 million to continue to meet increasing public demand, which will be combined with an additional $68.9 million for mental health hospital services to provide an overall investment of $237.5 million for WA hospitals.
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6 October

Guaranteeing essential services
The Government will continue to guarantee the essential services Australians rely on as part of the Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, said Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. This includes record funding for schools, hospitals and aged care sector. The Budget will deliver record funding for health, with total spending of $93.8 billion in 2020-21, an increase of almost 43 per cent since 2014-15. This will ensure Australians can continue to access the essential medical, pharmaceutical and hospital services they rely on. The Government is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, and has invested $5.7 billion in 2020-21.
Download

5 October

WA: Tenders to construct iconic rainbow Kids Bridge now open
WA Minister Cook said that an initiative to connect the Perth Children's Hospital and Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a step closer to reality, with tenders for the iconic rainbow Kids Bridge now advertised. The construction only contract will see a three-metre wide, 217-metre long pedestrian bridge built over Winthrop Avenue in Nedlands, connecting the lawn area located between Perth Children's Hospital and the multi-storey car park on the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre (QEIIMC) grounds to Kings Park. The $6.3 million bridge, which has been funded by the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, will be constructed and maintained by Main Roads.
Download

3 October

QLD: PET-CT scanner secured for Queensland Children's Hospital
Queensland's sickest kids will be able access a dedicated state-of-the-art digital positron emission tomography (PET) service at the Queensland Children's Hospital, thanks to a $5 million investment by the Government and the Children's Hospital Foundation. The digital PET-computed tomography (CT) camera provides high-quality images of how tissues and organs are functioning, and is commonly used for diagnosing cancers, neurological and endocrinological conditions, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the new equipment would deliver better, safer and more accessible specialist care for Queensland children.
Download

2 October

NSW: Plans for the new $780 million John Hunter Hospital building unveiled
The concept design for the new, seven-storey Acute Services Building for John Hunter and John Hunter's Children's hospitals has been unveiled, marking a milestone for the NSW Government's $780 million health precinct. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct would drive significant economic growth in the Greater Newcastle region, generating jobs in construction and health. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will significantly increase critical care capacity, with a 60 per cent increase in the Intensive Care Unit capacity.
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QLD: New surgical facility at expanded health precinct will further reduce waiting lists
A new surgical and rehabilitation facility which is set to open early next year at the Herston health development will further reduce patient waiting lists as part of the elective surgery blitz following COVID-19. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said after providing hundreds of jobs during construction, surgical services at the 182-bed public health facility will be ready to go when it opens in early 2021. Queensland Deputy Premier Miles said the facility would not just benefit people in Brisbane and South East Queensland, but the whole state.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

9 October

Report provides further understanding of defence and veteran suicide
Every year, too many Australians are taken from us by suicide and sadly the ADF personnel and veterans are not immune. The latest report on incidence of suicide among current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel was released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), revealing 33 deaths by suicide in 2018. Addressing this tragedy is a national priority for the Government and while the annual figure in the report is lower than 2017, they still have work to do to eliminate this tragic loss of life, said Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester.
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8 October

WA: New mental health services one step closer to opening
Three regional community mental health Step Up/Step Down services are one step closer to opening with non-government organisations appointed to operate the services. Neami National has been awarded the tender to operate the 10-bed service that will be located in Geraldton and the 10-bed service that will be located in Kalgoorlie. Along with Mid-West, Goldfields and Pilbara, these include the Kimberley (six beds), South-West (10 beds) - which opened this year - and the Great Southern (6-beds) which opened in 2018, said WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook.
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WA: $9.6 billion health investment for Western Australians
The WA Government is investing $9.6 billion as part of the 2020-21 State Budget to strengthen WA's health system as it remains critical in protecting the health of the community and keeping Western Australians safe, said WA Minister Cook. General health hospital services will benefit from $168.6 million to continue to meet increasing public demand, which will be combined with an additional $68.9 million for mental health hospital services to provide an overall investment of $237.5 million for WA hospitals.
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6 October

Supporting veterans' mental health and employment
The Government is continuing to provide mental health and employment support for veterans and their families as part of the economic recovery plan to guarantee the essential services Australians rely on. The 2020-21 Budget measures are aimed at ensuring veterans and their families continue to have access to the support they need by helping them find a job after service, and supporting their physical and mental health needs. Minister Chester said 'the Government continues to put veterans' and their families' first with our record investment in funding for mental health services and support for those in the ex-service community.'
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Federal Budget prioritises small business owners' mental health
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell has welcomed the Government's $4.26 million budget commitment to rolling out a new mental health program for small business owners. Leading mental health organisation Beyond Blue will deliver the NewAccess for Small Business service, which will provide small business owners with access to free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches. 'The service is expected to commence early next year. 'Mental health is proving to be the next big challenge to emerge from the COVID crisis and it is particularly impacting the small business community,' Ms Carnell said.
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Mental health: The necessary focus of Australia's recovery
Australian medical students are disappointed that the Budget has not allocated any funding to addressing the severity of the medical workforce mental health crisis. 'Medical students are at a greater risk of mental health conditions and suicide than the wider Australian community,' Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) President, Daniel Zou, said. 'The profound challenges of 2020, from a disastrous bushfire season to a viral pandemic, mean that the psychological and social health of Australians require additional mental health support. Everything from COVID-19 to medical education this year has further overwhelmed the scarce mental health support initiatives for medical students.'
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5 October

COVID shows need to reset health spending
Federal Budget is a rare opportunity to reset Australia's attitude to health expenditure, with a fundamental reassessment of the priority put on real increases to health spending, Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to rethink many of our assumptions about the functioning of society. Absolutely fundamental to this is our understanding of what a health system that is fit for purpose looks like,' Dr Khorshid said. 'The Federal Government has made some very welcome investments in both our health and welfare systems to protect Australians and we are seeing a significant return on this, with our economy doing much better than most comparable countries.'
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TAS: Mental Health Week: We all have a role to play
Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Jeremy Rockliff said: 'Mental Health Week highlights the role we all play in looking after our own mental health and supporting others to do the same. Given the challenges that 2020 has presented, Mental Health Week this year couldn't be more important. It's an opportunity for all Tasmanians to get out and about, reconnect with your local community, check in with friends and family, and participate in events or join in online to support your mental health and wellbeing. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and that is why the Tasmanian Liberal Government has a $104 million plan to build a better integrated mental health system.'
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

7 October

Maxman XI tablets
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Maxman XI tablets and found that:
- Maxman XI tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil
- Consumers are advised that sildenafil is a prescription-only (S4) medicine in Australia.
The supply of Maxman XI tablets containing the undisclosed sildenafil is illegal. These Maxman XI tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.
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